They all made them. From the Ancient Babylonians to the Knights of the Middle Ages, New Year’s resolutions have in some way, shape, or form been made for centuries. Following up last week’s Christmas Wish List, here are suggested athlete/spectator/outdoor enthusiast New Year’s resolutions for 2026. 

Resolve to stop lambasting officials from the stands. The dwindling pool of game officials remains among the greatest concerns of the WIAA. No surprise when referees have to contend with forehead and neck vein popping fan commentary from the bleachers. Resolve to be an adult. 

This resolution is for all of us. Please put down your phone during live action. Take a look in the stands. Today, the age-old comment lobbed at officials “You’re missing a good game” could be applied to middle and high school kids, moms and dads, and also those who qualify to order off the back page of the menu at Perkins. 

Resolve if you have to leave your seat during a game, please do so at the appropriate time. A timeout, the end of the quarter, between innings, or halftime provides opportunities for fans to head to the restroom or the concession stand. Many of us in the stands have had to contend with an adult who decides to exit in the middle action for an emergency popcorn run. They obstruct the action like a hockey player in front of the net trying to block the vision of the goalie during a power play. At least resolve to stay in your seat during a break in the action.

Resolve to visit one of Wisconsin 50 state parks this year. From the Kettle Moraine to Manitou Falls, and Willow River to Peninsula, enjoying the Badger state park system is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. The state park sticker gives you access to all of them.  

Resolve to resist the temptation to be overly involved in your children’s competitive activities. Leave the helicopter on the pad and let your kids “play” without constant adult supervision. Refrain from providing coolers full of juice boxes, Gatorade, and Lunchables after every practice, every game. Focus on one thing, cheering them on. 

Resolve to learn more about the history of the game or the team you root for. Technology affords all of us easy access to information about past seasons, players, records of past seasons. All franchises have legacies and resolve to learn something about them. 

A resolution for all dog owners.  Resolve to pick up your dog’s scat in your community. There are few things more unsightly than a pile of dung while taking a leisurely stroll around the grounds of Freedom Park. 

Resolve to volunteer in your community. There are plenty of opportunities to become involved and local organizations are always seeking people who are willing to give back to the community. 

Resolve to support local fundraising efforts. From the Boy Scouts to high school fishing and trap teams, to the American Legion Chicken Fry and community bake sales, do your best to support youth and adult organizations. Some argue fundraising has gotten out of control, but folks the need is real. Sacrifice one dinner at Texas Roadhouse in order to give the 12-year-old boy the joy of playing Little League Baseball. 

If you are a WIAA game official, resolve to make basketball players tuck in their jerseys. Additionally, please apply the yearly WIAA “Sportsmanship Emphasis” literally. For far too long umpires have turned a blind eye to incessant chirping and taunting from baseball dugouts. And head coaches do your part. You can easily stop such ugliness. 

Resolve to read a book. There’s lots to choose from for sports junkies. Here is a short list of suggestions. Sorry folks, there aren’t a lot of pictures in this list of recommended readings. “The City Game: Basketball From the Garden to the Playgrounds” by Pete Axthelm. It is the story of inner-city New York basketball in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. “The Science of Hitting,” by Ted Williams. Considered by many the greatest hitter of all time, Williams writes what remains to be the best book ever written about baseball’s most difficult skill. “Friday Night Lights,” by H.G. Bissinger. A phenomenal book about football in the town of Odessa, Texas. 

“Foul! The Connie Hawkins Story,” by David Wolf. A tremendous book about the Brooklyn born NBA star raised by a single mother with Glaucoma whose professional career included both triumph and tragedy. A great book. And finally, as we approach the commencement of the 2026 Winter Olympics try “The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team,” by Wayne Coffey. The book details what many call the greatest sports moment in United States history. 

Happy New Year everyone.